Alberta’s Ministry of Transportation has recently updated its Bridge Structure Design Criteria to reflect that MMFX2 (ASTM A1035) corrosion-resistant reinforcing (CRR) steel will be used in Exposure Class 2 bridges in the province. The steel is manufactured by MMFX Technologies.

Uncoated, CRR steel, such as ASTM A1035, has been independently tested and proven to be five times more corrosion resistant than conventional steels.

Freezing temperatures and ice damage are among the challenges to the Alberta highways and bridges. When compared to traditional rebar, the more resistant ASTM A1035 steel will provide better protection against corrosion in Alberta’s harsh environment.

Alberta Transportation notes, “The National Research Council of Canada (NRC), U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Virginia Center for Transportation Innovation & Research, and several other research entities have reported that ASTM A1035 and stainless steel reinforcing can improve long-term durability over traditional materials.”

There is typically a 100-year service life requirement specified in many new bridge projects and this corrosion-resistant steel has been proven to exceed that service life. It is also less costly than stainless steel rebar, making it an economical choice.

“The new standard adopted by the Province of Alberta is in line with the actions taken by other progressive transportation agencies that have recognized MMFX2 steel as one of the most cost-effective solutions for minimizing bridge corrosion,” said MMFX Technologies President Michael W. Pompay.

“The challenge of satisfying the 100-year service life requirement can be economically met by designing with MMFX2 rebar and such value engineering benefits the taxpayers by providing longer-lasting bridges, minimizing repair costs and avoiding traffic disruptions.”

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